Martin Kobler, Head of MONUSCO and Abdoul Aziz Thioye, Director ad interim of the United Nations Human Rights Joint Office pay tribute to human rights activists

Kinshasa, 10 December 2014 – “Human rights activists are the guarantors of freedom and equality. Those heroes who work behind the scenes are a mark of vitality for democracy in a rapidly developing society such as the DRC. They deserve to be protected, encouraged and to receive the necessary support to make the rule of law effective” said Martin Kobler, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in the DRC, on the occasion of the 66th anniversary of the Universal Human Rights Declaration commemorated this year under the theme: “Human Rights, 365 days”

“Human rights day is an opportunity to call for the end of intolerance, adherence to the ideals of universalism as embodied in the Universal Human Rights Declaration and to encourage governments all over the world to prioritize dialogue and consultations,” said Abdoul Aziz Thioye, Director ad interim of the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office.

Note to editors:

- Human rights day is commemorated on 10 December to mark the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Human Rights Declaration by the then 58-member States of the United Nations General Assembly that met at “Palais de Chaillot”, in France on 10 December 1948.

- “The United Nations Organization defends human rights with pride as part of its mission for when people’s rights are respected, economies prosper and countries are at peace,” said the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, in his message on the occasion of the Human Rights Day.